She said: "This means reducing our staffing levels to balance income with expenditure while maintaining the high-quality academic and vocational education and training that prepares students for employment or further study.

"We have already taken a range of measures to reduce our operating costs but, regrettably, job losses will be unavoidable.

"I recognise this is a very unsettling time for colleagues and we’ll do all we can to reduce the personal impact on individuals.

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"We are working hard to keep compulsory redundancies to a minimum and are seeking expressions of interest for voluntary redundancy or a reduction in working hours."

Dame Khemka said she is committed to ensuring the college "continues to deliver an exceptional service to the communities we serve".

She added: "The challenges we face aren't insurmountable and our track record of managing our affairs properly gives me complete confidence that we'll come through this as a much stronger organisation.

"Our proposals have been developed to ensure that core services and the quality of our student experience are not affected. In some cases, this re-focusing on our core business means services to students will actually be enhanced."

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Ben Bradley, MP for Mansfield, has been in contact with the college about the proposal.

He said: "I have spoken with the college about this at length and am reassured that the leadership are fully committed to delivering the best service and outcomes for students.

"Changes in student numbers nationally, and the way different aspects have been resourced nationally, have had an impact and halted what has been a decade or more of success and consistent growth in the college, but through good leadership I have no doubt they will continue to be an excellent asset to our community for many years to come.

"I am meeting with the Skills Minister to discuss this specific case direct with Government on Tuesday."

A University and College Union spokesman said: “We will respond formally to any plans by Vision West Nottinghamshire College.

"Job losses and cuts to courses would inevitably lead to fewer opportunities and less support for local people to get the skills they need."